Scientists Discover Seven “Earthlike’’ Planets Orbiting a Nearby Star!!

Story by A’Myri Thornton Photo from www.washingtonpost.com

APRIL 26, 2017: Scientists recently found seven planets that are similar to earth orbiting the Trappist-1 star.  But the bad part about it is that they’re 39 light years away, meaning it'll take 39 years to get to those seven planets, according to scientists and my source.

Exoplanet researcher, Michael Gillon said there is a possibility that scientists will find water and life on those seven planets.  The Trappist-1 star is less than one-tenth the size of our blazing hot sun.  If the Trappist-1 star was any hotter, then it would have fried all seven of those planets to a crisp.  An “exoplanet” is a planet that orbits a star outside the solar system.

How do you feel about this recent discovery? Personally, I'm excited and want to know more. When I get older I would like to become an astronomer, because I'm very interested in outer space.

A’Myri Thornton is an 8th grade scholar at Friendship Tech Prep Academy.